A project to develop and renovate the Chabad kindergartens, Talmud Torah, and girls’ school in Kiryat Gat is currently under way.

The project includes extensive repairs that will change the face of the premises of all of the Chabad educational institutions in the city. Mifal Hapayis, the national lottery, is funding the repairs, which will cost around NIS 1 million at the recommendation of local Mayor Aviram Dahari. The Chabad schools in Kiryat Gat are run by the city’s Chief Rabbi Moshe Havlin.(SOUIRCE: COL.ORG.IL)

A Chabad Menorah Overlooks Gaza

Thursday, Dec 17, 2009

Today, 30th Kislev, is the first anniversary of the launch of Operation Cast Lead, which the IDF ended just 22 days later.

During the operation, hundreds of missiles were fired at cities in southern Israel, but most of them hit Sderot, which had suffered constant bombardments during the eight years leading up to the war. In that time, around 7,000 explosives, mortars, and Kassem rockets were fired at the beleaguered city.

This Chanukah, Sderot’s Religious Council, with the help of Rabbi Oren Malka of the local Chabad House, erected a special menorah on a nearby hill overlooking the main road to Beersheva, facing the Arab refugee camps in the Gaza Strip.

And the Chabad menorah has been shining its light into the face of the enemy in Gaza below.
(SOURCE: COL.ORG.IL)

THIS WEEK'S SHOLOM ZOCHORS - UPDATED

Friday, Dec 18, 2009

GOT MORE? E-MAIL US @ SHMAIS@AOL.COM, PLEASE INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER WHERE WE CAN REACH YOU

NY TIMES on Chanukah Mivtzoim: With Tin Menorahs, an Outreach to Promote Faith

Friday, Dec 18, 2009

It may not be quite as ubiquitous as the Christmas tree stands on the city’s sidewalks, but the sight of tin menorahs is certainly familiar to anyone who has lived here long enough – or, for that matter, anywhere else where outreach workers of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement can be found.

Chabad focuses on persuading Jews to perform more mitzvahs – the menorah lighting campaign that stretches back to 1973, when the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, decided to pass out some 60,000 menorahs that were made in a matter of days.

The rebbe’s representatives found Tibor Kuferstein, who owned a metal factory in Gowanus, Brooklyn, that produced supplies for military contracts. Mr. Kuferstein was tasked with coming up with something inexpensive, light and easy to distribute. continue...

CHEREPOVETS, Russia – During the festive week of Chanukah, the Jewish community of Cherepovets, the largest industrial center of the Vologda Region, marked several reasons for celebration. Not only has the warmth emitted by the Festival of Light reached this north-west region of Russia, but community representatives also held a successful meeting with a representative of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.

The meeting took place in the building of the Chamber of Commerce. Chaired by the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Volodymyr Shteingart, the meeting with Igor Berezner, a representative of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, involved leading businessmen and professionals who are leaders and activists in the Jewish community of Cherpovets.

The meeting covered a number of topics. Among those discussed related to the short term was the question of establishing a fund that would support the activities of the city’s Jewish community. One of the more long-term issues discussed was the construction of a synagogue and community center for the local community. Following a lengthy discussion about the various projects and programs presented by the Jewish community, participants in the meeting collectively decided to establish the fund to support the Jewish community’s activities.

The Jewish community of Cherepovets is a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.

PLEASE SAY TEHILLIM 4

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

MAY IT BE G-D'S WILL THAT THIS LIST ONLY GETS SMALLER WITH A REFUA SHLEIMA KROVA FOR ALL THOSE IN NEED!

When Chaim Steiner, the deputy mayor of Kiryat Malachi, paid an official visit to Piatra Neam? in Romania, he was surprised to read the following inscription on the covering of the bimah at the local shul: “Donated by Reb Chaim Pinchas Yaakovi and his wife Devorah to the Chabad Beis Medrash.”:

Looking more closely, Chaim noticed that the curtain had actually been made for a chuppah, but for some reason it had been put on the bimah. But what really aroused his curiosity was the mention of a Chabad beis medrash, and he wondered where this was.

When he returned to Israel, he did some research and found out that there was a Chabad community in Piatra Neamt, and it had a beis medrash that was founded in 5604/1844. In fact, this town is not far from Iasi (Jassy), where Rabbi Yitzchok Moshe of Iasi, one of the celebrated Chassidim of the Alter Rebbe, used to live.

This Monday, the only remaining shul in Piatra Neam? held a chanukas habayis. This shul is already famous because the Baal Shem Tov, when still a hidden tzaddik, visited “a wooden shul in Piatra Neam?.” In fact, the original shul was destroyed many years ago and another one was built in its place. Nonetheless, for many it has not lost its original sanctity.

Chaim Steiner visited the town again, accompanied by a former mayor of Kiryat Malachi, Moshe Shimon, who was born in Romania and speaks the language. The two spent some time in Bucharest with the shliach Rabbi Naftali Deitsch before going on to Piatra Neam?, where they met with the mayor and the leaders of the Jewish community. The next day was the chanukas habayis, which was also attended by Rabbi Menachem Cohen, Chief Rabbi of Romania, the Israeli consul, and the members and leaders of the local Jewish community. Some of the older members of the community told Chaim that many years ago Rabbi Yisrael Tzvi Haber used to visit them and shecht kosher meat for them.

Chaim spoke to the crowd (Moshe Shimon translated for him), and he was afterwards given the honor of lighting the shul’s large menorah.
(SOURCE: COL.ORG.IL)

LIVING WITH MOSHIACH #1657

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

The ultimate promise [of Redemption] is not to Israel alone. The Redemption of the Jew is closely linked to the emancipation of all humanity as well as the destruction of evil and tyranny. It is the first step in man's return to G-d, where all mankind will be united into "a single band" to fulfill G-d's purpose. This is the Kingdom of the Almighty in the Messianic Age.
(The Real Messiah by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan)(L'Chaim)

Water from the orchards near Ramle and Lod flooded storage rooms and houses in the newer neighborhoods. Rabbi Binyamin Lifschitz, leader of the local community council, said that the flooding was “a result of the heavy rainfall that descended in the past two days, flooding the houses that were built too low. The drainage system next to the railway also flooded, and the water entered the houses and store-rooms in the new neighborhoods.”
(SOURCE: COL.ORG.IL)

Lighting Up Time in Tel Aviv

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

A huge crowd gathered in Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, last week for a public ceremony on the sixth night of Chanukah, organized by Chabad in conjunction with the Fund for the Advancement of Jewish Tradition in Tel Aviv and the city’s Culture Department.

Before the ceremony started, everyone saw a sefer Torah, a candle, a tzedaka box, and a mezuzah circling the menorah with Gidi Halulian, who gave out balloons to anyone who asked.

The ceremony began with emcee Rabbi Shaul Raices, who spoke about the other menorah lightings going on in cities around the world. Shliach Rabbi Meir Aryeh Schmerling, rosh yeshiva of the Chabad yeshiva in Tel Aviv, was then invited to address the crowd, as he did throughout Chanukah.

Shlomi and Stam did a Chanukah show, joined by famous actor Zevulun Mosheshvili, dressed as Yehudah the Maccabee. Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky, head shliach in Tel Aviv, was invited to ascend the cherry-picker, along with Mayor Ron Huldai. Rabbi Gerlitzky spoke about the mayor’s involvement in the writing of a sefer Torah to celebrate the city’s centennial. He also spoke about the significance of the Chanukah candles. Mr. Huldai spoke warmly of his excitement over the giant menorah in the city square, before reciting the brochos for lighting the menorah.

The children’s choir from the Chabad Talmud Torah in Tel Aviv stood on the bimah and sang Chanukah songs as the menorah was lit. This was followed by a performance by rapper Adam Levinson, alias “The Big Fish.”

Children were then called on to the podium to recite the Twelve Pesukim, in which the entire crowd joined. Everyone then joined in lively dancing to conclude the evening.
(SOURCE: COL.ORG.IL)

Police: Auschwitz 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign stolen

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

WARSAW, Poland -- Polish police say the infamous iron sign over the gate to the Auschwitz memorial site with the cynical phrase "Arbeit Macht Frei" - German for "Work Sets You Free" - has been stolen.

Police spokeswoman Katarzyna Padlo said police believe it was stolen between 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Friday, when museum guards noticed that it was missing and alerted police.

Padlo says the iron sign, which spanned a gate at the main entrance to the former Nazi death camp in southern Poland, was removed by being unscrewed on one side and pulled off on the other.
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CROWN HEIGHTS: Basement Short term Rental

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

2 Bedroom Kitchen & Bath Room all new available for short term rental.

Call Menachem @ 917-975-1369

HEY TEVES SALE @ SICHOS IN ENGLISH

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

5-6 Teves, 5770 • Dec. 22-23, 2009

40% off on all S.I.E. Publications
50% off on orders of $200 list price
(not including HaYom Yom)

That is exactly what Curitibanos (Curitiba, Brazil) were doing days before Chanukah, trying to remember and put together historical dates to be included in a 120 white stone Menorah, with a year in golden letters attached to every stone.

A larger than usual crowd filled the “Pra?a 29 de Mar?o”, on a beautiful summer-weather evening. As the children enjoyed exclusives toys and games from Judaica72, and made their very own Dreidel clock, a military band was playing jewish songs, hot Latkes and Sufganiot were available.

The Traditional Giant Menorah was first switched on by Senator Alvaro Dias followed by the president of the federation and deputy Flavio coelho.

No doubt the highlight was the 120 white stone historical Menorah. From Jose Flaks, the first Jewish immigrant to come to Curitiba, down to the present year, representatives of the families and presidents of organizations were called upon, one by one, to place a photo or logo on the stone corresponding to the year the event took place.

Rabbi Dubrawsky, director of Beit Chabad Curitiba, emphasized the importance of this Menorah:

“The unity and togetherness that this Menorah represents will shine forever; it is with the power of unity that this Menorah came to being, and no doubt that the lights of this historical Menorah will illuminate Curitiba, for years to come”.

Rabbi Dubrawsky made the Brochot and the oldest Membor of the Community, 95 year old; Mrs. Sara Krieger ???"? was called upon to assist with lighting a candle, and so was a little boy; Henrique Kohane ???"? called to assist in lighting another candle, thereby representing the entire community.

The youth

Not to leave the youth behind, for Chanukah, the Beit Chabad, had a special bowling night called “Boliche e Sushi”, were tens of teens and college students, gathered to enjoy Sushi, delicious Latkes and doughnuts and to participate in the public Menorah lighting in the Bowling alley.

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan honoured as civic hero by the city of Vaughan

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

VAUGHAN, ON – The Honourable Peter Kent extends his sincere warm wishes to Rabbi Mendel Kaplan on his recent honour given at Vaughan Council Chambers as the recipient of the Civic Hero Award for Ward 5 for 2009.

“Rabbi Kaplan is an outstanding example of leadership in our community and beyond,” said Mayor Linda Jackson. “An example of Rabbi Kaplan’s service to the broader Vaughan and York Region community is his position as chaplain of the York Regional Police. He is only the second rabbi in Canada to hold such a position. He is a regular guest on local television and radio programs, addressing both topical and religious issues. His achievements reveal a truly humble, warm and helping heart.”

The Civic Hero Award is presented annually to one resident from each of the five local wards of Vaughan. The Awards recognize outstanding achievement and individual contributions to the community.

“Rabbi Kaplan, as the religious leader of Chabad@Flamingo, reflects a certain unique spirit,” said Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman. “He works to connect people with a very modern view of life to a traditional form of religious observance. But, perhaps more than anything else, it is Rabbi Kaplan’s extraordinary empathy to the issues that arise in the daily lives of the people who live in Ward 5 that makes him an outstanding candidate for Civic Hero. He is a person who reaches out, reassures and attempts to improve the lives of the people he comes into contact with, no matter what their background might be.”

Rabbi Kaplan has been a Thornhill resident since 1998. He is an American by birth, with a distinguished scholarly background. After immigrating to Canada in 1998, he and his Toronto-born wife Faygie founded Chabad@Flamingo to serve the affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish population living on the northern edge of Thornhill. Today that facility occupies the 22,000 square foot Ernest Manson Lubavitch Centre, and caters to hundreds of families through its family-oriented Synagogue and Youth Centres, Institute for Adult Jewish Learning, as well as a nursery school.

How Chanukah Came Out of Closet

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

(lubavitch.com) “When I was little and lit candles with my family, we used to say that one day a menorah would be lit at the White House. And now look where we are,” said Rahm Emmanuel, Chief of Staff at the White House, as he addressed the crowd that had gathered to light the National Menorah on Monday.

The idea of a national menorah, a project of American Friends of Lubavitch now in its 30th year, was inconceivable before the late 1970s. Back then, most American Jews shied away from public displays of Jewish pride or observance.

Ellen Goldstein, president of Gazelle Marketing LLC grew up in Baltimore in the 1960s, when Chanukah was largely eclipsed by Christmas. “I don't remember a single public celebration,” says Goldstein, who grew up in a “predominantly secular, Jewish community.” continue...

JUDAICA WORLD HUGE HEI TEVES SFORIM SALE

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

In honor of Hei Teves Judaica World is offering a 15%
discount on all Sforim in the store. Sale will last from
Sunday 3 Teves through Wednesday 6 Teves.
(Sale excludes sets above $350.00 and Likutei Sichos Parshios)
Many sets have special super low prices.
All Art Scroll and Feldheim books are discounted 20%

The regular Kiddushim including those for the Chasanim were held both upstairs & downstairs in 770 and went on all afternoon long.

Downstairs in 770 before the end of Shabbos, R' Shimon Aron Rosenfeld Chazzered a Maamer.

For Shabbos @ the Ohel there were lerech 60 people. There was also 1 Choson.

Chabad and Brooklyn Bridge Shooting

Saturday, Dec 19, 2009

The attack by Islamic extremists specifically on Chabad of Mumbai in 2008 was the third that singled out this specific religious group; the second attack occurred on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1994.

The first attack was the massacre of seventy students at the Yeshiva “Torat Emet” in 1929. The yeshiva had been established by the fifth Rebbe of Lubavitch in Chevron in 1911.

Last week, Devorah Halberstam, mother of the slain victim of the Brooklyn Bridge attack, received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership award for her relentless pursuit of the true nature and origin of the Brooklyn Bridge attack.

In receiving the award she stated that the FBI had come a long way since its 1994 labeling of the event as an isolated act committed by a disgruntled loner, rather than an act of terror.
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